There are many different types of feline cancer, but detecting this cat illness can be tricky as there may be no noticeable or only very subtle signs of illness. Taking your feline friend to the veterinary hospital for regular checkups can be the best way to catch health issues early. The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association reports that vets are able to run blood tests and check for abnormalities which may indicate the early stages of cancer.

Cat cancer comes in many forms and may be caused by either genetic predisposition or environmental factors. The most common type, lymphosarcoma, is sometimes caused by the feline leukemia virus (FeLV), according to the ASPCA. Regular screening tests for FeLV should be conducted to ensure your cat is healthy.

While there are several signs that may indicate your cat has cancer, it is important to have your pet evaluated by a professional as the signs of many cat health problems overlap. Lumps are perhaps the most commonly thought of clinical sign of cancer, but not all lumps or masses are malignant. If you find a lump on your furry companion, a vet may need to perform a biopsy to determine if the tumor is cancerous. Persistent infections, bad breath, weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, changes in behavior may all be indicative of cancer or other health issues, according to the ASPCA.

Emergency

In case of emergency, please call us immediately. If it is after hours please contact one of the following hospitals, or an emergency hospital in your local area:

VCA Veterinary Specialty Center-Lynnwood, WA

(425) 697-6106

Animal Emergency Services East-Kirkland, WA

(425) 827-8727

Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services-Seattle, WA

(206) 364-1660

Above all else protect yourself and your pet from further injury. Pets that are frightened or in pain may bite or scratch; wrapping your pet in a blanket will keep him or her warm and prevent injuries to you.

Specialty Care

As part of the VCA family, we have over 83 specialty hospitals across the US and Canada which provide referral specialty care, so there may be one near you. Enter ZIP to find VCA specialty care hospitals near you.